Statement from CEO John F. Lansing on Truong Duy Nhat

by John F. LansingFebruary 11, 2019

I am deeply concerned by the disappearance of Radio Free Asia (RFA) Vietnamese contributor Truong Duy Nhat, who is believed to have been abducted in Bangkok, Thailand where he had traveled to seek political asylum. Mr. Nhat was previously jailed by the Vietnamese government for two years between 2013 and 2015. Another RFA contributor, Nguyen Van Hoa, has been jailed in Vietnam since early 2017. Mr. Nhat’s disappearance and Mr. Hoa’s imprisonment are just two examples of the many threats to free press and the safety and security of journalists around the world.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) welcomes the investigation launched by Thai authorities into Mr. Nhat’s whereabouts. We join Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, The Committee to Protect Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders in calling for the Thai government to do all it can to locate Mr. Nhat and ensure his safety.

Repressive governments, corrupt officials, terrorist organizations, and other bad actors are threatened by the work of journalists in uncovering and reporting the truth. Brave journalists like Mr. Nhat, Mr. Hoa, and many others who work for the five networks of USAGM—Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Office of Cuba Broadcasting, RFA, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks—persist despite these dangers because they believe in the power of a free press to create a better world.

The CEO and Director oversees all aspects of U.S. international media. He provides day-to-day management of USAGM’s operations, including oversight of the technical, professional, and administrative support as well as strategic guidance and management of other programs.